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Corning sits squarely in USDA-eligible territory. Rural Tehama County is exactly the kind of area this program was built for.
Zero down is rare in California. USDA makes it possible for buyers in qualifying areas like Corning who meet income limits.
0%
Down Payment
640
Min Credit Score
1% of loan
Upfront Guarantee Fee
0.35%
Annual Fee
30–45 days
Est. Time to Close
USDA Loans in Corning
You need a 640 credit score for automated approval. Below that, manual underwriting is possible but harder to get done.
USDA sets income limits by household size. In Tehama County, those limits are more generous than coastal California counties.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect usda loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Corning.
Corning sits squarely in USDA-eligible territory. Rural Tehama County is exactly the kind of area this program was built for.
Zero down is rare in California. USDA makes it possible for buyers in qualifying areas like Corning who meet income limits.
You need a 640 credit score for automated approval. Below that, manual underwriting is possible but harder to get done.
Not every lender offers USDA. Many retail banks skip it entirely. You need someone who works these loans regularly.
At SRK CAPITAL, we have access to 200+ wholesale lenders. Several specialize in USDA and rural California financing.
USDA loans carry two mortgage insurance fees: an upfront guarantee fee and an annual fee. Both are lower than FHA's MIP.
The annual fee is built into your monthly payment. On a modest Corning purchase, that difference adds up favorably versus FHA.
FHA requires 3.5% down. USDA requires zero. For a Corning buyer short on savings, that gap matters a lot.
VA beats USDA if you have military eligibility — no down payment and no mortgage insurance at all. Check VA first if you served.
Corning is the olive capital of California. Home prices here are well below the state average. USDA's loan limits aren't usually a barrier.
Tehama County's rural character works in your favor. Most addresses in and around Corning pass USDA's property eligibility check.
Yes. Corning and much of Tehama County meet USDA rural area eligibility. Confirm your specific address on the USDA eligibility map.
Limits vary by household size and are set by USDA annually. Tehama County limits tend to be more accessible than coastal California counties.
USDA is for primary residences, not income-producing farms. Large acreage is reviewed case by case — the home must be the main focus.
USDA adds a second approval layer after your lender approves you. Budget extra time — typically 30 to 45 days to close.
If you qualify on income, USDA wins — zero down beats FHA's 3.5%. The catch is that USDA has strict geographic and income rules.